Mummy cookies bring a playful, spooky element to Halloween celebrations. Shaped like wrapped mummies, these cookies use simple decorations like white chocolate or royal icing to create their iconic look. Whether you make them for a party, a festive dessert table, or a fun family activity, mummy cookies capture the spirit of Halloween with a mix of whimsy and sweetness.
This guide covers the origins of Halloween-themed treats, a step-by-step recipe for mummy cookies, and creative variations to elevate this delicious dessert.
The Origins of Halloween-Themed Treats
Halloween has always been associated with creative and festive foods. From caramel apples to spooky cupcakes, these treats combine fun and flavor, making them central to celebrations. Mummy cookies, with their whimsical design, fall into the category of Halloween-themed desserts designed to engage both children and adults.
While the exact origins of mummy cookies are unknown, they gained popularity as bakers sought simple ways to incorporate spooky designs into classic cookie recipes. Today, they serve as a staple for Halloween gatherings, offering a fun twist on traditional baked goods.
Ingredients for Mummy Cookies
To make mummy cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Decoration:
- 1½ cups white chocolate chips or candy melts
- Candy eyeballs
- Black gel icing (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Mummy Cookies
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two portions and flatten them into discs. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll out and helps maintain the cookies’ shape during baking.
3. Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a gingerbread man or rectangular cookie cutter to create mummy shapes. Arrange the cutouts on the baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each cookie.
4. Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Decorate the Mummies
Melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a small corner snipped off. Drizzle the chocolate over the cookies in zigzag patterns to mimic mummy bandages. Place candy eyeballs on the cookies while the chocolate is still soft. Let the decorations set completely before serving.
Tips for Perfect Mummy Cookies
- Use the Right Cookie Shape: Rectangular or gingerbread man cookie cutters work best to achieve the mummy look.
- Chill the Dough: Proper chilling prevents the cookies from spreading and losing their shape during baking.
- Get Creative with Bandages: Experiment with different piping patterns to create unique mummy designs.
- Choose High-Quality Candy Melts: Smooth and creamy candy melts or white chocolate chips ensure a professional finish.
- Add Details: Use black gel icing to create extra spooky touches, such as cracks or stitched patterns on the bandages.
Creative Variations of Mummy Cookies
1. Chocolate Mummy Cookies
Add cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a chocolate-flavored base. Decorate with white chocolate bandages for contrast.
2. Gluten-Free Mummy Cookies
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions. Ensure all decorations are gluten-free as well.
3. Vegan Mummy Cookies
Replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2½ tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg.
4. Colorful Mummy Cookies
Tint the white chocolate with food coloring to create mummies in different shades, such as green for zombie mummies or purple for a magical theme.
5. Savory Mummy Crackers
Use a savory cracker recipe and drizzle cream cheese or yogurt-based dressing for bandages. These work great as an appetizer or snack.
Serving Suggestions for Mummy Cookies
Mummy cookies look fantastic on a Halloween-themed dessert table. Arrange them on a platter lined with black and orange napkins, or place them in treat bags for party favors. Pair the cookies with a spooky punch or hot cocoa topped with marshmallow ghosts for a complete festive experience. These cookies also make great additions to Halloween gift baskets, wrapped individually in clear cellophane bags with ribbons for a polished presentation.
Storing and Freezing Mummy Cookies
Storing:
Store decorated mummy cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent the decorations from melting.
Freezing:
Freeze undecorated cookies for up to three months. Let them thaw completely before decorating. Decorated cookies can be frozen but may lose some detail upon thawing.
Why Mummy Cookies Are a Must for Halloween
Mummy cookies combine simplicity and creativity, making them a perfect addition to Halloween celebrations. Their playful design captures the spooky spirit of the holiday while providing a delicious treat everyone can enjoy. Whether served at a party, given as gifts, or made as a fun family project, these cookies offer endless opportunities for customization and enjoyment.
Making Mummy Cookies a Family Tradition
Baking mummy cookies offers more than just delicious results—it creates an opportunity to bond with family and friends. Involve children in shaping the cookies or decorating with bandages and candy eyes. This hands-on activity encourages creativity and brings everyone together, making it a cherished Halloween tradition.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and start crafting these spooky yet sweet treats. Mummy cookies promise to add a festive touch to any Halloween celebration and leave a lasting impression on everyone who takes a bite.
Elevating Mummy Cookies with Flavored Dough
Mummy cookies can be made even more delicious by infusing the dough with additional flavors. Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice gives the cookies a warm, autumnal twist that complements the Halloween theme. A splash of almond or lemon extract offers a subtle yet sophisticated flavor profile, perfect for adult palates. For chocolate lovers, mixing in mini chocolate chips or using a cocoa-based dough provides a rich and indulgent base. These simple enhancements elevate the cookies while maintaining their fun and festive appearance.
Adding Personality to Your Mummies
Customizing mummy cookies with unique features makes them stand out. Use different sizes of candy eyeballs for a quirky or creepy look, or add a single eye for a cyclops-like effect. Experiment with facial expressions by positioning the eyes in various ways—cross-eyed, wide-eyed, or even sleepy. Dusting the bandages with edible glitter or pearl dust can add a magical touch, while colored icing allows you to create themed mummies, such as zombies or pharaohs. Personalizing each cookie adds charm and makes them a hit at any Halloween event.
Incorporating Mummy Cookies into Party Themes
Mummy cookies work wonderfully as part of a cohesive Halloween party theme. For a haunted house vibe, pair them with ghost-shaped marshmallows and bat-winged cupcakes. For a more lighthearted approach, combine them with pumpkin cookies and candy corn treats. Display them alongside other Halloween favorites on a dessert table decorated with cobwebs, fake spiders, and mini pumpkins. Guests will love the creativity and effort, making the cookies a centerpiece of your celebration.
Making Mummy Cookies with Alternative Flours
Using alternative flours can make mummy cookies accessible to those with dietary restrictions. Almond flour provides a nutty flavor and a crumbly texture, while oat flour creates a soft and chewy base. Coconut flour works well when combined with other gluten-free flours for a tropical hint. These substitutions ensure the cookies remain delicious while accommodating various preferences and needs. Don’t forget to pair the alternative flour with decorations that are also allergen-friendly, such as dairy-free chocolate or natural food coloring.
Hosting a Mummy Cookie Decorating Contest
A mummy cookie decorating contest adds a fun and interactive element to your Halloween festivities. Provide guests with plain baked cookies, white chocolate, and various decorations, such as candy eyes, edible glitter, and colored gels. Let each participant design their unique mummy, and award prizes for categories like “Spookiest,” “Cutest,” or “Most Creative.” This activity encourages creativity and laughter while allowing everyone to enjoy the delicious results. It’s a perfect addition to a family gathering, kids’ party, or even an office Halloween event.
FAQs:
1. Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Yes, store-bought sugar cookie dough works well as a shortcut. Roll it out, cut the shapes, and bake as directed.
2. What can I use if I don’t have candy eyeballs?
You can use small dots of black gel icing, mini chocolate chips, or even small round sprinkles to create the eyes.
3. How do I keep the cookies fresh?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keep them away from heat to prevent the decorations from melting.
4. Can I freeze mummy cookies?
Yes, you can freeze undecorated cookies for up to three months. Decorate them after thawing for the best results.
5. Can I use a different type of icing for decoration?
Royal icing, melted chocolate, or even buttercream can work as alternatives to white chocolate for the bandages. Choose what suits your taste and design preferences.